Google Planning Pay-Per-View Movies For YouTube

The Financial Times is reporting that Google is in talks with Hollywood studios to launch a global pay-per-view video service by the end of 2010. If it happens, YouTube will transform into a major player in streaming rental movies.

People familiar with the talks are saying that Google is pitching to the movie studios that "the international appeal of a streaming on-demand movie service" tied to the world's most popular search engine and YouTube, will attract a "huge number" of people. Basically, Google believes that YouTube and Hollywood would be pretty damn successful together. Prices per rental aren't set yet but it's expected to be around $5-a-pop.

Negotiations between Google and the studios have been going on for some months now but have ramped up in recent weeks (maybe due to one Sept 1st event). If the reports are true, combined with the future Google TV, this deal could turn Google into a real player in digital media distribution. And a direct competitor to Apple in another market. [Financial Times]

Uncompetitive prices and really not what youtube is for. They'd be better off starting a new site.

Also lowering the price. I'd rather just use on demand.

Soon they will be charging just to watch music videos. And I agree with everyone the price is horrible.

$5 is actually a super good price for the places around here.. it's 8$ for a movie using our digital cable, $12 for HD.

everyone need to make money

Google's been doing a lot lately. If it's five US dollars for the EU as well then I certainly don't mind.

If people are lazy enough that they can't go down to the kiosk at the corner store, they'll be lazy enough to not pay for movies either. They'll just watch them illegally. Stupid idea is stupid.XilePrincess

Agreed.

Plus 5 bucks is the same price for my on demand. And I'd rather use that. My only concern is how much more this will screw up youtubes actual purpouse.

5 bucks to watch? 5 bucks to own maybe.

If it's pay-per-view, what happens if you pay, start watching, and then your browser crashes or something?

If it's pay-per-view, what happens if you pay, start watching, and then your browser crashes or something?

GabuEx

atleast you can't really "pirate" a movie on your tv because it is, ya know on your tv but now they are charging for movies on your computer when you could simply google the movie and get it for free??

hmm pay $5 to watch on a 20in screen with shotty speakers or pay $21 a month to watch an unlimited amount on my 40in hdtv w/surround sound...tough choice

$5 a movie for what will probably be crappy youtube quality? No thanks, Netflix for $8 a month sounds much more appealing.

I just heard this news on the radio. It kinda sucks to pay 5$ for a youtube video.